Northern California Coastal & Inland Valleys

October, 2003
Regional Report

Books

Vintage Gardens Catalog
Vintage Gardens is a purveyor of antique and extraordinary roses. Technically speaking, a company's catalog isn't usually considered a book. But this is one catalog that is packed with useful information for the serious rosarian. And besides, the 240 pages make it more than just a catalog.

The book includes information on old European roses; the Gallicas, Centifolias, and Damasks. It also contains information on heritage rose societies and some favorite rose breeders around the world. Each type of rose, including climbers, hybrid teas, floribundas, polyanthus, and the grandifloras are covered extensively. The catalog sells for $5 either at Vintage Garden Nursery or by mail. You also can visit their Web site: http://www.vintagegardens.com

Favorite or New Plant

Blushing Knock Out
When I received the press release for this new rose I was in heaven! Star Roses has added another knockout to its line of landscape shrub roses. Blushing Knock Out 'Radyod', is a pale pink variation of the breakthrough shrub rose, Knock Out 'Radrazz', and it's jusst as tough and showy.

Blushing Knock Out blooms profusely and is resistant to fungus disease. Its light pink color changes into a beautiful shell pink as the 3- to 3-1/2-inch blooms age, giving it an overall soft color effect at all stages.

As with other Star Landscape Roses, Blushing Knock Out was bred to be chemical free, so no pesticides are needed. It naturally resists rust, mildew, black spot, Japanese beetles, and rose midges. The plants will be available in garden centers and nurseries in spring 2004. To find out more about this and other Star Roses, or to find a garden center near you that carries these plants, visit http://www.starrroses.com.